Wang Xiu was born in Yingling, Beihai Commandery, Qing Province, which is present-day Changle County, Shandong.
At age 19, he travelled away to study, and sometime between 190 and 193 was drafted by Kong Rong to administer the district of Gaomi (高密), about 60 km from his hometown.
[4] As a district magistrate, Wang Xiu declared collective responsibility for harbouring criminals, helping to restore central authority over local magnates.
At one point, Kong Rong was under some duress from brigands, and when Wang Xiu heard he rode out at night to assist.
When Liu Xian committed an offence deserving of death, Wang Xiu argued on his behalf and secured his reprieve.
When asked directly how to proceed with the campaign, Wang Xiu advocated concord, a recommendation which Yuan Tan rejected.
[8] Wang Xiu was in Le'an[9] supervising grain shipments when he heard Yuan Tan was in trouble, and straight away gathered his guards and all the officials in his office, some several dozen men, and rode away to assist.
Wang Xiu heard the commotion, and before his horse and carriage could be fetched led his subordinates on foot to the palace gates in great haste to assist.
After the revolt was suppressed, Zhong Yao mildly chastised Wang Xiu, reminding him that it was customary for the Nine Ministers to remain in their offices whenever there was trouble in the capital.